1st Canopian Cuirassiers
Sarna News
Contents
History
Formation from Ashes of Destroyed Units
The 1st Canopians originated from one of the nameless ad-hoc BattleMech battalions that were put together after opening rounds of the Reunification War destroyed original MAF units in 2577. Its sister unit ad-hoc battalion had resounding success against the Star League invaders. MAF named their unit the Magistracy Guards, and so like them, the unit was originally given the unit name Canopian Cuirassiers. It was in hopes it being named would bring them success. The unit didn't experience same success as then Magistracy Guards and experience number of defeats up to its decommissioned with other MAF units at end of the war.[citation needed]
Recommissioning & Succession Wars
After Magestrix Janine Centrella declared Magistracy of Canopus's independence of the Star League in 2786, the Canopian Cuirassiers were recommissioned into the MAF. However the unit did not see any action until 2817. Where the unit fought renegade mercenaries on the world of Luxen. It participated in five other major engagements during the war, however, its sixth was notable event.[1]
In 3012 the Red Chasseurs of Taurian I Corps had raided New Abilene overwhelming the local militia forces there. One system away, was the Cuirassiers whose JumpShip's helium seal had blown were stranded, unable to arrive. The unit managed to make repairs and dropped into Red Chasseurs's fortified defenses. What has been described as Cuirassiers finest moment, the unit drove into the Taurians and forcing them from the world.[1]
The unit noted for its actions in 3058 against Blakist funded pirates of Astrokaszy, while under command of Major Danai Centrella.[1]
Operation Bulldog
Late in 3059 the 1st Canopian Cuirassiers were choosen to by House Liao Chancellor Liao to participate with four other Capellan regiments in new Star League's Operation Bulldog. During Operation Bulldog the Cuirassiers joined with the 8th Dieron Regulars, St. Ives Cheveau Legers, and 11th Alshain Avengers to defend Meinacos from the Smoke Jaguar's 267th Battle Cluster. The Eighth Dieron drove into the 267th Cluster's flank, while the 11th Alshain distracted them and the Canopian Cuirassiers cut off the Clan unit's retreat. After the Avengers refused to disengage, the Cuirassiers advanced to support them against the Clan unit.[2]
The Cuirassiers later traveled with Victor Steiner-Davion to Strana Mechty for Trial of Refusal. The unit commander and heir-apparent to the throne of Magistracy died in one of the battles the lead to Inner Sphere victory. The cuirassiers involvement in the Bull Dog, made it the only regiment to have salvaged Clan equipment.[3]
3060s
In the late 3060s, the unit had not seen much of way of combat except for pirate raids on Capellan, Fronc Reaches, and Concordat borders.[3] The unit's Infantry and Armor assets were station on Fanardir with half of its 'Mech assets as of 3067, while the remaining forces were found on Canopus IV.[4]
Jihad
During the Jihad the First Cuirassiers were stationed on Canopus. There they faced the Word of Blake directly. Unlike Raventhir's Iron Hand the First was able to escape total destruction. Under the strategic command of Hadji Doru the First Cuirassiers resisted the Blakists for years until eventually driving them off Canopus. The First became one of the most highly decorated units in the MAF, receiving the Ribbon of the Magestrix.[5]
Officers
As of 3025 the commanding officer of the unit was Major Alexandra Vakirrov.[6]
As of 3050 to 3054 the commanding officer was Major Margaret Zachara.[7][8]
As of 3058 the commanding officer of the unit was Major Danai Centrella.[1]
As of 3064 to 3079 the commanding officer of the unit was Colonel Lane Meisel.[1][4] Colonel Meisel became the most highly decorated veteran of the Jihad, receiving both the Fist of Raventhir and the Ruby Canopus Cluster, but without having to pay the "donation" that normally accompanies that award.[5]
As of 3085 the commanding officer was Colonel Candace Clifford.[9]
Tactics
The unit specialized in combat drops and excellent salvage abilities.[4]
Composition History
3025
Canopian Cuirassiers (Veteran/Fanatical)[6]
- CO: Major Alexandra Vakirrov
3050-3054
1st Canopian Cuirassiers (Veteran/Fanatical)[7][8]
- CO: Major Margaret Zachara
3064-3067
1st Canopian Cuirassiers (BattleMech Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)[1][4]
- CO: Colonel Lane Meisel
- XO/1st Battalion: Force Major Shou Priest
- 2nd Battalion: Major Mart Gemmel
- 3rd Battalion: Major Candace Clifford
1st Air Guard (Air Lance/Veteran/Fanatical)[1][4]
- Wing Commander: Commander Tel Armani
1st Armor Guard (2 Battalions/Regular/Reliable)[1][4]
- Armor Commander: Colonel Carla Marx
1st Infantry Guard (1 Battalion/Veteran/Fanatical)[1][4]
- Infantry Commander: Major Juliet Tompson
- Supported by Battle Armor
3079
After the Jihad the First Cuirassiers were reduced to forty percent of their pre-Jihad strength.[10]
3085
1st Canopian Cuirassiers (Veteran/Fanatical)[9]
- CO: Colonel Candace Clifford
1st Cuirassiers Air Guard (1 Squad/Veteran/Fanatical)[9]
- CO: Commander Wil Cary
1st Cuirassiers Armor Guard (Regular/Fanatical)[9]
- CO: Colonel Lothaire Gomulka
1st Cuirassiers Infantry Guard (Veteran/Fanatical)[9]
- CO: Colonel Chet Denholm
Notes
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Field Manual: Periphery, p. 31, "1st Canopian Cuirassiers Unit Profile"
- ↑ The Dragon Roars, p. 41
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Field Manual: Updates, p. 190, "Magistracy Royal Guards"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Field Manual: Updates, p. 201, "MAF Deployment Table - 3067"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Field Manual: 3085, p. 138
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Periphery (1988), p. 99, "Unit Deployment Table - 3025"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 20 Year Update, p. 78, "MAF Deployment Table - 3050"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Objective Raids, p. 47, "MAF Deployment Table - 3054"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Field Manual: 3085, p. 149, "MAF Deployment Table - 3085"
- ↑ Field Report: Periphery, p. 10